Mop construction and method of making same



T. v. MOSS 3324,47

i i: g. &

INVENTOR. THEROAZ' 1/. MOSS 0%, d I H A T TORNE YS 3,324,497 MOPCONSTRUCTION AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Theron V. Moss, 3175 Falmouth,Shaker Heights, (Bhio 44120 Filed May 28, 1964, Ser. No. 370,946 14Claims. (Cl. 15-229) This invention is directed to a novel and improvedmop construction and to a mop swab therefor, and more particularlyrelates to such a construction comprising a novel swab with end portionsdesigned and arranged for maximum efficiency in mopping floors and thelike.

Reference may be had to my prior patents, 2,825,914, 3,011,198, and3,115,658 for a disclosure of certain features which are highlyadvantageous in the construction of mops particularly suited andarranged for mopping floors dry. Many of these features may, if desired,be included in the novel and improved construction disclosed herein toprovide a mop which combines maximum effectiveness in picking up waterwith a rugged construction affording relatively long mop life.

The mop constructions which have been known heretofore have generallycomprised bundles of yarn secured to an appropriate holder which isordinarily a long handle. When such mops are used, the individual yarnsor cords tend to become easily tangled, to unravel at their ends, andeventually to become matted together. As a result, such mops are veryinefficient in their primary function of absorbing the maximum amount ofwater possible from a floor surface. Additionally, they tend todistintegrate rapidly once the plies of the yarn become untwisted.

The construction of these mops has generally been such that the swabshave end portions comprising individual cords which are cut off in afrill design. Mops with this design thus have cords with end portionswhich can easily become frayed and unraveled. When used, such mops willfurther unravel and produce lint. When Washed, as in a washing machine,they will also lose a large quantity of lint thereby decreasing theeffective life of the swab, as well as tending to create mechanicaldifficulties within the washing machine.

Mop swabs of the type possessing individual cords and end portions alsotend to produce streaking of a floor surface, since such individualcords and end portions absorb water from the floor surface only alongthe individual lines of contact with the surface. Consequently, it isvery desirable to have a mop which will effectively absorb water from afloor surface, but which will not leave a streaked appearance.

It is accordingly a principal object of this invention to provide a mopconstruction in which the individual cords are oriented in a particularmanner for maximum floor coverage and efliciency of water absorption.

A further object is to provide a mop construction in which theindividual cords will be restrained against undue unraveling in use andwhich will not produce excessive lint when used or washed.

It is another object of this invention to provide a mop construction inwhich the individual cords will not readily become confused and tangled.

Yet another object is to provide a novel mop construction which willclean the surface of a floor without streaking same.

Other objects, advantages, and features of this invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the followingmore detailed description of the invention.

These and other objects are achieved by means of this invention whichprovides a mop construction comprising a mop swab with individual cordshaving a novel end design and arrangement. The swab comprises a PatentedJune 13, 1967 bundle of absorbent cords which are secured together in agenerally flattened form intermediate the end portions by a fabric bandwhich encircles the cords and is stitched thereto. The individual cordsare of a looped design at the end portions of the swab and extendlongitudinally of the swab so as to form continuous cords along thelength of the swab. Each of the loops of the individual cords overliesand extends transversely over other of the loops in a controlled patternas will be more fully described hereinafter.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention,then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims, the following description andthe annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrativeembodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but afew of the various ways in which the principle of the invention may beemployed.

In said annexed drawings:

FIG. 1 represents a general plan view of the novel mop swab of thisinvention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary semi-diagrammatic view illustrating the designof the novel end construction of the preferred embodiment of myinvention with lateral spacing of the cords somewhat exaggerated forclarity;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary semi-diagrammatic view illustrating analternative embodiment of this invention with lateral spacing of thecords exaggerated for clarity; and

FIG. 4 illustrates the novel mop construction of this invention securedto a suitable holder.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the numeral 1designates generally a mop swab with a fabric band 2 encircling suchintermediate the end portions of individual cords to secure theindividual cords together in a generally flattened form. Stitching 4 isprovided in the fabric band 2 for securing the band to swab 1.Individual cords 3 are arranged in a generally looped configuration 5intermediate the ends thereof, the individual cords extending in asingle plane or layer adjacent tape means 7 longitudinally of the swab,as shown at 6, to form continuous cords along the length of the swab.The tape means 7 is provided in a region spaced a short distance fromthe ends of the swab to interconnect all of the individual cords andretain them in the desired configuration. Stitching is also provided intape means 7 for securing same to swab 1. The cords are thus of a singlelayer thickness adjacent the tape means, but are of greater thickness inthe region of the loops 5 and where the cords approach fabric band 2.

The particular design and arrangement of loops 5 is illustrated moreclearly in FIG. 2 which constitutes the preferred embodiment of thisinvention. FIG. 2 illustrates a fragmentary broken portion of theassembly from which the swab is to be formed by bunching the middleportion of the cords together and securing them in such position with afabric band. As shown, the loops 5 of the individual strands arearranged so as to overlie and to extend transversely over other of theloops and to extend longitudinally of the swa-b. In this figure, tapemeans 9 is shown for interconnecting the looped end portions and forretaining such in the desired position. It will be observed that, inthis embodiment, there are eight individual cords which extendlengthwise of the swab. It should be understood, of course, that theconcept of this invention is not to be restricted to any particularnumber of individual cords, but may include any number desired. Asfurther illustrated in FIG. 2, each individual cord 8 extends the entirelength and width of the swab, and each loop 5 overlies and extendstransversely over seven other looped end portions of cords 8, intersectstape means 9, and extends continuously in such pattern across the widthof the swab.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention comprisinga sinusoidal curve arrangement of an individual cord. As seen, thisembodiment comprises a single continuous cord which extends across theentire width of the swab. Cord 10 is looped asshown at 11. It will beobserved that each individual loop 11 overlies and extends transverselyacross an adjacent loop overlie and extend transversely over other ofsuch loops and also extend longitudinally of the swab as shown at 20 soas to form continuous cords along the length of the swab. The looped endportions of the cords are held in position by tape means and stitching21.

It should be understood that the tape means and stitching which ispositioned in a region a short distance from the end portions of theswab (represented by numeral 7 in FIG. 1) is included in the preferredform of this invention. The precise location of such means is generallyapproximately 2 to 3 inches from the end of the swab,

but can of course vary somewhat. The tape means and stitching serve tomaintain the oriented arrangement of the individual cords andparticularly that of the loops.

' It is preferred that tape means and stitching both be employed, but itshould be understood that stitching may be used alone if desired. Thestitching should preferably be of nylon thread to add strength to theswab construction, but other material may be used. Similarly, a strip ofpaper adhesive tape may, if desired, be placed upon the cords beneaththe fabric tape to facilitate the stitching of such, as disclosed in myaforesaid patent, 3,115,658. It fshonld be further understood, however,that, although tape means and stitching are included in the preferredembodiment, this is not a limitation upon the inventive concept, suchmop swab being very effective for its intended purpose without theinclusion of such means.

As illustrated, the swab is arranged so that the individual'cords arefanned out from the fabric band to the tape means and end portions. Asexplained in my prior U.S. Patent No. 2,825,914, this constructionprovides maximum floor coverage and also assists in minimizing tanglingof the yarns.

In my co-pending application, Ser. No. 230,058, filed Oct. 12, 1962, nowPatent No. 3,135,002, a novel apron construction is disclosed which isused with the fabric band encircling, the bundle of absorbent cords. Itis to be -understood that such construction may also be employed withthe mopv and swab of this invention, although such concept does not forma specific part of this invention.

The novel mop construction of this invention is thus distinguished fromthose previously known, such as U.S. Patent No. 1,977,948 whichdiscloses an endless band type swab. Such swabs have end portions whichare merely continuations of the individual cords and extend across thelength of the swab thereby forming a plurality of continuous or endlessbands. However, the swabs of the present invention are arranged suchthat each loop overlies and extends transversely over other loops andalso extends longitudinally of the swab thereby forming continuous cordsalong the length of the swab. The swabs therefore are only one cord inthickness where the tapes are positioned, but are of agreater thicknessin the region of the loops and in the region where the cords approachthe fabric band.

It is thus seen that the construction of the mop and mop swab of thisinvention possesses many advantages over. the other swabs describedabove. With the previously known swabs, it is readily apparent that theloose uncontrolled ends can easily become entangled with objects whichmight be on the floor or baseboard. However, since the looped ends ofthe swabs disclosed herein are relatively small in size and are retainedin a controlled pattern, they will not readily snarl or tangle.

The novel mop construction disclosed herein is thus inexpensive ofconstruction, permits the employment of preferred materials, and enablesthe mop strands to spread out over a maximum area with maximum absorbingeffect with all of the strands maintained in their proper respectiverelationship. Although the swab has been illustrated and described asforming two swab portions in some instances when the swab is used withcertain types of available attachment means, no fabric band of any typeneed be used.

Many materials are suitable for use in the swabs of this inventionincluding rayon yarn or cord, blends of rayon and cotton or rayon,cotton and nylon. Bleached hemp yarn or cord blended with a smallpercentage of braided nylon or other synthetic plastic strands currentlyavailable, such as Orlon and Dacron, may also be used or alternatively,cotton cord may be utilized.

It is thus seen that the objects of this invention have been fulfilledby the particular swab arrangement illustrated, wherein the swabcomprises individual cords which have loops intermediate thereof andextend therefrom longitudinally of the swab so as to form continuouscords along the length thereof, with each of the loops of the swaboverlying and extending transversely over other of such loops.

Other modes of applying the principle of the invention may be employed,change being made as regards the details described, provided thefeatures stated in any of the following claims, or the equivalent ofsuch, be employed.

I, therefore, particularly point out and distinctly claim as myinvention:

1. A mop swap comprising a bundle of twisted stranded cords, said bundlebeing secured together in a generally flattened form midway of itslength by a fabric band encircling the same and stitched thereto, theindividual cords of said swab forming loops intermediate the endsthereof; adjacent the ends of said swab and extending therefromlongitudinally of said swab so as to form continuous cords along thelength of said swab, each of said loops overlying and extendingtransversely over other said loops.

2. The mob swab of claim 1 in which tape means interconnecting all ofsaid cords is stitched thereto in a region adjacent the ends of saidswab spaced a short distance from said loops.

3, The mop swab of claim 2 in which said stitching is nylon.

4. The mop swab of claim 2 in which said loops overlie and extendtransversely over seven other of said looped end portions.

-5. The mop swab of claim 1 in which said loops are secured by flexibleinterconnecting means in a region spaced a short distance from saidloops.

6. A mop swab comprising a bundle of absorbent cords secured togetherintermediate their ends, means flexibly interconnecting said cordsadjacent the ends of said swab, said cords forming loops intermediatethe ends thereof adjacent the ends of the swab and extending therefromlongitudinally of said swab so as to form continuous cords across thelength of said swab, each of said loops overlying and extendingtransversely over other of said loops.

7. A mop construction comprising handle means, means for securing a mopswab to said handle means connected thereto, and swab means securedthereto, said swab means comprising a bundle of absorbent cords securedtogether intermediate their ends, means flexibly interconnecting saidcords adjacent the ends of said swab, said cords having loopsintermediate the ends thereof adjacent the ends of the swab andextending therefrom longitudinally of said swab so as to form continuouscords across the length of said swab, each of said loops overlying andextending transversely over other of said loops.

8. The mop construction of claim 6 in which said flexibleinterconnecting means comprises tape means with stitching thereininterconnecting all of said cords positioned in a region spaced a shortdistance from said loops.

9. The mop construction of claim 7 in which said bundle of absorbentcords is secured together intermediate their ends by a fabric bandencircling same and stitched thereto.

10. The mop swab of claim 2 in which said cords are a single cord inthickness in the region adjacent said tape means.

11. A mop swab comprising a plurality of continuous sinusoidal cordloops, the cords being secured together in a bunched relationshipintermediate the loops thereof centrally of the swab and fanned out fromsuch bunched central portion to form a layer one cord in thicknessadjacent said loops, said loops at least partially overlying adjacentloops, and means interconnecting said cords where thus forming suchsingle layer to assist in maintaining this condition in use.

12. A method of manufacturing a mop swab comprising securing together aplurality of continuous cords in a bunched relationship intermediate theend portions of such swab, said cords having loops intermediate the endsthereof adjacent the ends of the swab, fanning out said cords from suchbunched central portion to form a layer one cord in thickness adjacentthe end portions, at least partially overlying said loops with adjacentloops, and interconnecting said cords Where thus forming a single layerto assist in maintaining such condition in use.

13. A mop swab comprising a bundle of absorbent cords, said cords havingloops intermediate the ends thereof adjacent the ends of the swab andextending therefrom longitudinally of said swab so as to form continuouscords across the length of said swab, each of said loops overlying andextending transversely over other of said loops and means flexiblyinterconnecting the cords in a region adjacent the ends of the swabplaced a short distance from the loops.

14. A mop swab comprising a continuous cord of absorbent yarn, saidcontinuous cord including a plurality of loops intermediate the endsthereof adjacent the ends of the swab and extending from said loopslongitudinally of said swab, each of said loops overlying and extendingtransversely over other of said loops, means flexibly interconnectingsaid cord adjacent said loops, and means for securing said cord togetherin a generally flattened form intermediate the ends of such swab.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,940,543 12/1933 Hertzberg15-2292 2,825,914 3/1958 Moss 15-229.0 2,895,535 7/ 1959 Ono. 3,115,65812/1963 Moss 15-229.0 3,246,656 4/1966 Sorrells 15-2291 X DANIEL BLUM,Primary Examiner.

6. A MOP SWAB COMPRISING A BUNDLE OF ABSORBENT CORDS SECURED TOGETHERINTERMEDIATE THEIR ENDS, MEANS FLEXIBLY INTERCONNECTING SAID CORDSADJACENT THE ENDS OF SAID SWAB, SAID CORDS FORMING LOOPS INTERMEDIATETHE ENDS THEREOF ADJACENT THE ENDS OF THE SWAB AND EXTENDING THEREFROMLONGITUDINALLY OF SAID SWAB SO AS TO FORM CONTINUOUS CORDS ACROSS THELENGTH OF SAID SWAB, EACH OF SAID LOOPS OVERLYING AND EXTENDINGTRANSVERSELY OVER OTHER OF SAID LOOPS.